1969 Austin 3-Litre vs. 1959 Citroen DS
To start off, 1969 Austin 3-Litre is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Austin 3-Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Austin 3-Litre (124 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1959 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Austin 3-Litre should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Austin 3-Litre weights approximately 170 kg more than 1959 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Austin 3-Litre is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1969 Austin 3-Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Citroen DS, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1969 Austin 3-Litre (218 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1969 Austin 3-Litre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Austin 3-Litre | 1959 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | 3-Litre | DS |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
